Philippe Clement has claimed he raised a laugh with under pressure Todd Cantwell when he subbed the midfielder in Rangers’ win over Kilmarnock.
The Belgian manager was speaking after the Scottish Premiership victory and was asked about what he whispered in the former Premier League starlet’s ear went Todd came off the park.
Todd Cantwell has found himself under pressure at times in the squad this season and was the subject of much criticism following Rangers’ 2-1 defeat to Celtic.
Claiming that he pointed to hooking the player in the first half against Aris Limassol in the Europa League, Clement claims he got a chuckle out of Todd Cantwell as he left the pitch.
Philippe Clement raises Todd Cantwell laugh
Speaking after Todd Cantwell replaced Nicolas Raskin in the win over Kilmarnock, the Rangers boss was in jovial mood.
Ex-Norwich City star Cantwell had scored an important third goal for the Rangers team in the 3-1 win at home to Derek McInnes’ side, the strike only his third of the season to date.
Claiming that he prefers to sub Todd Cantwell off late in the game rather than earlier, Philippe Clement insists the Ibrox star was all smiles at the end of the match.
“It’s difficult to take out one player. It’s a total story and every player has his own working points and that’s my job and the staff to point them out and to work on that with them,” said Clement.
“So I’m happy with the evolution Todd is making and I prefer to take him out on the 87th minute instead of the 37th minute and I told him also when he came off. He found it funny.”
Rangers manager not messing with ex-Premier League star
Once rated as a £50m prospect during his early days in the Premier League with Norwich, Rangers fans have seen flashes of Todd Cantwell’s talent at Ibrox.
But in too many big matches has the talented number 10 been found wanting and at Celtic Park the playmaker was insular, timid, and ineffectual against Callum McGregor.
The challenge for Rangers is getting the best from the 25-year-old on a consistent basis and Philippe Clement has enjoyed an up and down relationship with the tactically indisciplined midfielder.
It’s clear the two are building something of a relationship but Todd Cantwell must understand there is only one winner as Philippe Clement sends the Englishman an Aris reminder.
